Bethlehem’s Olive Wood Nativity: A Palestinian Gift to the Vatican 🇵🇸✝️✨

Dhamiri

22 Dec 2024 — 4 min read

A Symbol of Faith and Resilience: The Vatican’s Nativity Grotto Crafted by Palestinian Christians

This year, the Vatican's Christmas Nativity Grotto carries a profound message of faith, unity, and resilience, as it has been meticulously crafted by Palestinian Christian artisans from Bethlehem. Using the revered olive wood from the Holy Land, these craftsmen have brought to life a work of spiritual and cultural significance that resonates far beyond the boundaries of religion.

At the heart of the grotto lies the Star of Bethlehem, made from mother-of-pearl and inscribed with the verse “Glory to God in heaven and on earth peace and good will toward men” in both Arabic and Latin. This symbolic detail not only emphasizes the universality of the Christmas message but also honors the heritage of the Holy Land, a place of deep historical and spiritual importance.

A Collaborative Effort Rooted in Faith

This exceptional project was made possible through the collaboration of multiple Palestinian and international entities. The initiative was spearheaded by the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, represented by Ramzi Khoury, and the Palestinian Embassy to the Vatican, under the leadership of Issa Qassisieh.

Supervision was provided by Dar al-Kalima University, represented by Reverend Dr. Mitri al-Raheb, in partnership with the Picciarello Center and the Deputy Custodian of the Holy Land, Father Ibrahim Faltas. The unveiling of the grotto was met with an outpouring of appreciation from an Italian and Catholic audience, underscoring the shared hope for peace and solidarity.

A Message of Peace from the Holy Land

The Nativity Grotto is more than an artistic masterpiece; it is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of Palestinian Christians. It serves as a reminder of Bethlehem’s significance not just as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, but as a city that continues to endure challenges and struggles.

As the Star of Bethlehem shines above the grotto, it also symbolizes a call to action—an appeal to the global community to end the ongoing suffering faced by the people of Palestine. The verse inscribed on the star echoes this sentiment, calling for peace on earth and goodwill toward all.

Faith in Action: A Hope for Justice and Peace

This year’s Nativity Grotto stands as a beacon of hope and a plea for justice. It reflects the unwavering faith of Palestinian Christians and their commitment to preserving their heritage in the face of adversity.

As visitors from around the world gather to witness this extraordinary display, the grotto also serves as a poignant reminder of the Holy Land’s enduring message of peace and the universal longing for justice. Let this Christmas season inspire us to work toward a world where peace and goodwill prevail for all.

Vatican’s Nativity Scene Sparks Debate: A Symbol of Peace, Resilience, and Advocacy for Justice

The Vatican's 2024 Christmas Nativity scene has sparked a global conversation. This year, the Holy See has included a sculpture of baby Jesus swaddled in a Palestinian keffiyeh—a symbol of Palestinian resistance and resilience. This powerful display, unveiled by Pope Francis, was created by Palestinian artisans from Bethlehem, using olive wood and adorned with a mother-of-pearl Star of Bethlehem. The keffiyeh has stirred controversy, with some praising it as a poignant statement on the ongoing crisis in Gaza, while others see it as politicizing the birth of Jesus.

As part of the Catholic nativity tradition, the baby Jesus figure will be returned to the manger on Christmas Eve. However, it is unclear whether the keffiyeh will remain part of the scene, as the Holy See has yet to confirm its reinstatement. Despite the controversy, the addition of the keffiyeh offers a powerful visual of solidarity with the Palestinian people.

In just two days, on December 24th, I hope Pope Francis will show resilience and take a stand against ignorance, tyranny, and evil. I hope he will continue to advocate for peace, for justice, and for the survival of every people who face oppression. As a Maronite Christian from a small village in the South of Lebanon, the image of baby Jesus wrapped in a keffiyeh deeply moved me. It filled me with emotion and recognition—because the Arabic language, the language I learned my prayers in, represents the culture and struggles of our people.

Let us raise our voices in hope for peace, for justice, and for the recognition of every oppressed soul. It’s time to stand together and end the suffering.